Since Polya, Wertheimer, and Hadamard's descriptions of qualitative reasoning strategies used by scientists and mathematicians, very little data have been collected on whether these strategies are actually used by experts. This study used video-taped thinking-aloud interviews to examine the problem solving strategies of professors and advanced…

Presents a sample HyperQuiz, a strictly-for-fun, genius trapping contest for occasions when the syllabus and coverage do not bear down too severely. Promotes collaboration between students, library research, and development of scientific thinking skills. (JRH)

Presents a demonstration of kinematics principles that stresses conceptual analysis over equation manipulation. Aims at focusing students' attention on concepts by using comparative problems, allowing students to predict the outcome of the demonstration and explain the reasoning behind their predictions, and extending the context in which the…

Discusses the continuity equation and presents two real-life problems involving salmon survival and the construction of dams. (JRH)

Describes how Newton's Law of Cooling and the Method of Mixtures are used to solve the basic dilemma of whether to add the cool cream to the hot coffee or to let the black coffee cool down first and then add the cream. (ZWH)

Presents a problem involving the double-slit interference pattern that relates to the real-world situation of guiding an aircraft to a safe landing. (JRH)

The use and misuse of the superposition principle to analyze electrical circuits are discussed. (KR)

Perturbation theory is presented as an invaluable tool for solving a majority of physically interesting problems involving both macroscopic and microscopic objects. Its use in Newtonian mechanics is emphasized.. The method is illustrated with three examples. (KR)

Provides a simple routine which allows first-year physics students to use programmable calculators to solve otherwise complex electrostatic problems. These problems involve finding electrostatic potential and electric field on the axis of a uniformly charged ring. Modest programing skills are required of students. (DH)

Presents a technique which aids students in solving static problems involving three or more torques about a given axis. The method is longer and equivalent to the standard method, but students experience success with this new way to treat the more complicated equilibrium problems. (DH)

Explores strategies in the situation of a runner trying to evade a tackler on a football field. Enables the student to test intuitive strategies in a familiar situation using simple graphical and numerical methods or direct experimentation. (JRH)

Presents an application of fundamental principles of mechanics for an isolated system in solving problems related to rocket velocity and exhaust elements. (JRH)

A real problem from the everyday world is presented. Students are asked to estimate the distance between two planes using a photograph taken by a passenger on one of the planes. The process used to solve the problem and possible errors encountered are discussed. (KR)

Described is how the crumpling of paper balls exhibits the concept of a topological dimension similar to fractals. The mass of the crumpled paper ball is found to be proportional to its diameter raised to a nonintegral power. (KR)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)